FL S1526

Revises legislative intent from protecting athletes during athletic activities to ensuring athletic trainers meet minimum competency standards and protecting the public through licensure and regulation.

Redefines "athletic training" to require service and care be provided under the direction of a physician, and removes specific definitions of "athlete," "athletic activity," and "athletic injury."

Requires applicants for licensure on or after July 1, 2016 to submit to background screening pursuant to s. 456.0135 and establishes that board-accredited professional athletic training degree programs meeting Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education standards are required.

Deletes the requirement for the board to establish an examination fee and removes the requirement that written protocols exist between athletic trainers and supervising physicians, replacing it with mandatory communication guidelines.

Expands unlicensed practice violations to include representing oneself as an athletic trainer or using titles like "AT," "LAT," or similar abbreviations suggesting licensure without being licensed under this part.